HMV branches in Durham, Stockton, South Shields and Teesside Park are being axed as administrators for the troubled DVD and music chain announced plans to shut shops in the coming weeks.

Stores will continue to trade, however, it is expected that closures will take place over the next one to two months, administrators said today.

HMV went into administration last month, putting 240 shops and about 4,120 jobs at risk. A rescue plan is being drawn up which would leave it between 120 and 160 shops. Last week, it was confirmed that about 190 jobs had been shed across HMV's head office and distribution network. About 930 jobs are at risk across the UK.

Nick Edwards, Joint Administrator, said: “As part of our ongoing review of HMV’s financial position, we have now completed a review of the store portfolio and have identified 66 loss making stores for closure. This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of securing the business’ future as a going concern.

“We continue to receive strong support from staff and are extremely grateful to them for their commitment during an understandably difficult period. All other key stakeholders remain very supportive and I continue to be hopeful of securing a future for the restructured business.”